SOUTHERN NAKED-TAILED ARMADILLO
Cabassous unicinctus
DESCRIPTION
The Southern Naked-tailed Armadillo is a small, burrowing mammal known for its distinctive lack of fur and its armored shell. It is primarily nocturnal and is adapted to a fossorial lifestyle, spending much of its time underground.
FUN FACTS
- They are one of the few armadillo species that are completely hairless | Their burrowing behavior helps aerate the soil | They can dig quickly to escape predators
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 in captivity
Average Weight2-3 kg
Average Length40-50 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresolitary
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
- Habitat
- Southern Naked-tailed Armadillos inhabit dry, sandy areas and open grasslands, often favoring regions with loose soil for burrowing. They are also found in scrublands and savannas.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland
- Native Range
- This species is native to parts of South America, particularly in the central and southern regions.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil
- Diet
- This species primarily feeds on insects and other invertebrates, using its keen sense of smell to locate food. It may also consume some plant material occasionally.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, larvae
- Social Structure
- solitary
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
VU
2-3 kg
Weight
40-50 cm
Length
- Coloration
- The Southern Naked-tailed Armadillo has a light brown to grayish coloration with a leathery, hairless skin.
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 60-75 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization. They are also vulnerable to predation by larger mammals.
- Predators
- Foxes, large birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- They can curl into a ball to protect themselves from predators, using their armored shell as a defense.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon